The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday approved two sets of conclusions setting out the EU’s main negotiating positions ahead of the United Nations climate change (COP31) and biodiversity (COP17) summits, the Council informed in a press release.

The EU will call for rapid, science-based action rooted in multilateralism to limit global warming and halt biodiversity loss. The EU will reaffirm the urgent need for accelerated implementation of the Paris Agreement and of the global biodiversity framework.

The EU’s focus in both COPs is on translating commitments into concrete actions and promoting cooperation within the United Nations framework. “In an era where both multilateralism and nature protection are tested, the EU remains strongly committed to achieving positive outcomes for biodiversity at COP17.

There can be no lowering of the ambition that was agreed under the global biodiversity framework. We will call for the acceleration of global action and a renewed focus to mainstream efforts across the economy and society,” said Christopher O'Sullivan, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.

In 2022, COP15 agreed on the new global biodiversity framework which sets targets for halting biodiversity loss, including a pledge to protect at least 30% of areas on land and at sea by 2030.

During the COP17 negotiations, the EU will stress the need for accelerated action to meet these targets, through mainstreaming biodiversity within and across all policies and sectors, on the basis of solid scientific evidence. The EU will also call for increased public and private funding, particularly by exploring innovative approaches, such as high-integrity nature credits.

The UN Convention on biological diversity takes place every two years. This year’s Conference of Parties (COP17) will be held in Yerevan (Armenia), from October 19 to 30. The EU and its member states are parties to both. The rotating presidency of the Council, together with the European Commission, represent the EU at these international conferences.